A Different Kind of Power: A Memoir

A political memoir is an autobiographical narrative written by a public figure discussing their personal experiences, perspectives, and values in relation to their political work. This nonfiction genre has existed since antiquity and remains popular to the present day. Famous historical examples include Plato’s (approx. 428-347 BCE) Epistles, and the autobiographies of Benjamin Franklin (1791) and Malcolm X (1965). In the modern era, prominent political figures and government leaders from all over the world publish memoirs, often with significant commercial and critical success. Ardern’s A Different Kind of Power follows in the footsteps of celebrated examples such as the memoir of the first president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, Walk to Freedom (1994), and works by the 44th US president, Barack Obama, including Dreams From My Father (1995), The Audacity of Hope (2006), and A Promised Land (2020).

Political memoirs provide an important public record of historically significant events from the point of view of the people most intimately involved in their unfolding. They also provide insight into the mindset and experiences of some of the most powerful and renowned figures of their time. These works draw public interest because they give an exclusive look into the often obscure workings of government and offer a unique perspective on major events and policy decisions that affect huge portions of the population. In addition to achieving literary acclaim and earning money, many authors of political memoirs are motivated by a desire to defend their reputation and define their own legacy. They often try to explain their actions while in power, looking to help build a positive perception of themselves in the collective public consciousness. Sometimes a memoir aims to promote the author’s own political agenda or increase their personal prestige in advance of future political moves or public works.